Lou earned his 7th Degree Black Belt in May of 2010.

Lou became a Christian in 1992. His spiritual gifts are evangelism, encouragement, and faith.

He began his instructing career in 1981, and many of his students are now Black Belts themselves.

Lou joined martial arts in his late teens. He began training in a style that combined the most effective techniques from many fighting systems.

Students who participate in his classes greatly improve their self-image, fitness ability, stamina, and concentration.

Larry earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in June of 2007.

When I started my weight loss program in 2000, I focused on the diet portion for the first year or so. Later I realized I needed to get some sort of fitness program going so I could maintain the momentum I had reached to keep the weight off. Luckily, True Power was conducting the ‘Defend Yourself: Can You?’ seminar at my employer at that time, so I went to check it out. The ‘systems’ approach to martial arts that True Power uses interested me enough that I signed up for the classes.

The physical requirements for the class were tough at first and I admit, I wanted to quit but, I figured that I would give it some time to see if it was for me. I’m convinced that the decision to stay was right for me because not only did the training get me into better shape; it also helped me to lose more weight.

The training, focus, and discipline provided by my True Power training helped me achieve success in my weight loss journey and in other aspects of my life.

Wenchin earned her 1st Degree Black Belt in February of 2004.

As a teenager, she was fascinated by martial arts through movies and TV shows. Bruce Lee is her all time favorite martial artist.

She began her training in True Power Martial Arts in December 1999. After one visit to the class, she realized this class could help her build self-confidence, discipline, and teach her a variety of martial arts techniques for self-defense.

Lou Costabile, the President of True Power made these comments regarding Wenchin: "Our system is aggressive and no women have received their Black Belt. A woman getting her Black Belt in our system would be the equivalent to a woman playing Major League Baseball. Women have joined, and some have, in my opinion, had the heart and strength to become Black Belts, but for one reason or another have not made it. The fact is most women would have to work 1 and 1/2 times harder than a man to get their Black Belt here. There are no short cuts or exceptions. In February of 2004, that changed as Wenchin earned her Black Belt. She is our Pioneer! She is the first woman since 1981 to get her Black Belt. That says a lot about her determination."

James earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in February of 2001.

He first began studying martial arts in 1994 with the Motorola Self-Defense Club.

James studies martial arts to build his confidence, physical stamina, flexibility, and to learn techniques which would help him in a real fighting situation. He has found True Power Martial Arts to provide all of this and much more.

In addition to physical fitness and fighting skills, the martial arts have helped him to develop confidence and focus in all areas of his life.

Josh earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt in February of 2009.

My only participation before True Power had been a few months of Tae Kwon Do as a teenager.

A co-worker convinced me to join True Power and finally I decided it was time to learn how to defend myself.

I have come to appreciate learning real moves, the variety of fighting styles we learn, the intensity, the effectiveness of the techniques all designed to help me defend myself.

I enjoy the Christian foundation of True Power and the focus on the person as a whole, not just the mind and body as in other martial art styles.

I feel I'm in a system that teaches me the right attitude and beliefs for practicing martial arts.

Tom earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt in October of 2006.

He began studying martial arts in 1989 as a source of exercise and as an activity to share with his wife.

Tom quickly adapted his life to reflect how important he felt martial arts was to developing discipline, fitness and self-image. Through the addition of five children and various career roles, improvement in martial arts has been Tom's consistent pursuit.

Tom brought his love of martial arts to Motorola in 1994, when he arranged the founding of the Motorola Self-Defense Club. With the arrival of Lou Costabile on the Motorola scene in 1999, Tom has been guided to link his faith to his martial arts.

Carlos earned his 4th Degree Black Belt in February of 2010.

Carlos began studying Tae Kwon Do at age 10 and continued his training throughout high school. After graduation, he attended the University of Illinois and further expanded his knowledge of the martial arts by studying Shaolin Kung Fu Praying Mantis. He also spent some time studying Budo Aikijutsu and Judo.

In 1997, Carlos started in True Power Martial Arts and found it to be the most effective and complete representation of the martial arts (stand up, take down, ground and weapons). True Power Martial Arts helped Carlos align his spirit, mind and body as a martial artist. In addition, True Power Martial Arts helped Carlos drop 36 lbs.

Rob earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt in February of 2007.

He has been training in martial arts with the Motorola Self Defense Club since 1994.

Rob chose True Power Martial Arts over other systems for his training, because it does not focus on one traditional style. Rob believes that to be able to defend yourself in a variety of situations requires a broad range of fighting skills.

In addition to martial arts, Rob road-races motorcycles. After participating in over 60 races in the U.S. and Canada, Rob earned 24 1st place finishes, 1 overall championship, 5 class championships and a 2nd place national series finish.

Rob believes that the mental and physical skills he developed through True Power Martial Arts are "key" to his racing success.

Jeff earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in October of 2007.

Jeff started with True Power in November of 2001. He had dabbled in other martial arts systems previously, but never found one that he considered the right fit for him. After being introduced to True Power by a good friend, he knew he had found a 'home'.

"The things that I really like about True Power are that you get to learn some of the most effective moves from various fighting styles and disciplines, and that you get to work with some genuinely good people while doing so."

Having grown up in a rough part of Chicago, Jeff understands the real value of True Power Martial Arts, and what it can do for a participant.

Jose earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in October of 2007.

I fell in love with the martial arts as a child watching guys fly through the air on TV, jumping off of tree branches, fighting for their family's honor.

Even though I loved martial arts on TV, my actual training didn't start until I was in my mid thirties when I was introduced to True Power Martial Arts.

I found this system to be a way to relieve stress, increase my ability for focus, build self confidence, and get in shape.

As an Insurance Agent traveling through the good, and not so good parts of Chicago, I have found True Power Martial Arts to be an invaluable help.

Garry earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt in February of 2009.

Garry began studying martial arts in 1996 at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. This training emphasized practical defenses and techniques which were drawn from a variety of styles.

In 1997 Garry joined True Power Martial Arts. What he enjoys most about the style is its variety and its emphasis of adaptability over rigidity. He believes studying a spectrum of techniques allows individuals to identify their strengths and adapt to their weaknesses.

While studying at the University of Illinois, where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant and a visiting lecturer, Garry discovered his enthusiasm for teaching.

Clay earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt in June of 2009.

He began his martial arts training while serving in the U.S. Navy. After completion of service, he joined True Power Martial Arts in March 2000. Since joining True Power he has learned multiple fighting techniques and strategies.